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Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

October 6, 2026

More Than Just a Garden

by Jesse Cleveland , 2026 Volunteer in Israel
I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, in a strongly Zionist community. My first trip to Israel was Birthright’s Classic 10-Day trip; this time, I came back on a Volunteer trip to Majdal Shams. Each one mattered to me for a completely different reason.
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September 17, 2026

I Came for the Flag Football, Left with a Team for Life

by Ben Suler , 2026 Birthright Onward Flag Football Fellow
This past summer, I had the privilege of joining the first cohort of the Onward Flag Football Fellowship. As a senior at Oberlin College, where I play college football and...
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What I Learned From Taking a Risk and Saying Yes

September 15, 2026

What I Learned From Taking a Risk and Saying Yes

by Rachel Slavkin , 2026 Volunteer in Israel Madricha

It is so easy to say “No.” But what happens when you say “Yes”? When my dear friend and colleague, Howard Blas, invited me to staff a Volunteer in Israel trip, a joint initiative of Birthright Israel and JFNA, for adults with disabilities, I could have found a dozen reasons to say no. I did not hesitate for a moment....

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I Boarded the Plane to Change Their Lives. Instead, They Changed Mine.

September 9, 2026

I Boarded the Plane to Change Their Lives. Instead, They Changed Mine.

by Stacey Weiss , 2026 Birthright Israel Volunteer Madricha

Six weeks ago, I was asked if I would staff a Volunteer in Israel trip for adults with disabilities. I hesitated. I had never worked with this population before and wasn't sure what to expect. But I am so grateful I said yes. As I sit on the plane heading home after eight unforgettable days, I can't help but reflect...

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On Nantucket, One Story Reflects Nearly a Million More

August 7, 2026

On Nantucket, One Story Reflects Nearly a Million More

by Birthright Israel Foundation

At the evening hosted by Danielle and Gregg Darish on July 30, Gregg opened to a growing community of Birthright Israel Foundation supporters on the island, a room full of longtime friends and many who are new to Birthright Israel. Birthright Israel Foundation President & CEO Elias Saratovsky spoke to why this moment matters, reminding everyone that "by investing in...

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A Night to Remember: Birthright Israel Foundation in Aspen

July 22, 2026

A Night to Remember: Birthright Israel Foundation in Aspen

by Birthright Israel Foundation

On July 14, Birthright Israel Foundation brought together 150 supporters in Aspen for an unforgettable evening of community, conversation, and commitment to the next generation. Event Chairs Jodie & Steven J. Fishman and Leslie & Russ Robinson set the tone for the evening, joined by Birthright Israel Foundation President & CEO Elias Saratovsky for a night centered on Israel's resilience...

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Picking Up My Own Sword for Birthright Israel

July 20, 2026

Picking Up My Own Sword for Birthright Israel

by Maya Ohcana , Birthright Israel Madricha

I was born and raised in Highland Park, on Chicago's North Shore. My dad was Israeli, so Israel and Judaism were a huge part of my upbringing. I went to private Jewish school from kindergarten through fourth grade — I spoke Hebrew, I read Torah, I did it all. But I don't do my best learning in a classroom —...

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Reclaiming My Nigerian Jewish Heritage with Birthright Israel

July 15, 2026

Reclaiming My Nigerian Jewish Heritage with Birthright Israel

by Ike Amadi , 2026 Birthright Israel Alumnus

I was born in East Hollywood and grew up in LA. I'm studying communications at Cal State University, Northridge. My interests are finance, art, music, and film, and my hope is to build a career as a financial advisor. I didn't grow up Jewish. My family is from Nigeria, specifically Igbo. Four years ago, I began to get curious about...

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